The electoral landscape in the West Parliamentary Constituency and the 7-Ramnagar Assembly Constituency witnessed a day of highs and lows as two polling personnel faced suspension amidst an otherwise smooth electoral process. The Lok Sabha poll in the West Parliamentary Constituency and the by-poll in the 7-Ramnagar Assembly Constituency concluded with an impressive 81% voter turnout. Addressing the media during a press conference, Dr. Vishal Kumar, the Returning Officer for the West Parliamentary Constituency, provided insights into the day’s events. Notably, the Lok Sabha election’s first phase coincided with the by-poll in the 7-Ramnagar Assembly Constituency. By 5 PM, the voter turnout reached 80.40% in the West Lok Sabha seat and 67.81% in 7-Ramnagar.
Dr. Kumar expressed optimism regarding a surge in voter percentage, citing nearly 23,000 voters in queues across approximately 300 polling stations. The electoral process spanned 1686 polling stations, with almost 1400 stations successfully completing all procedures. Belonia sub-division in the South district recorded the highest voter turnout at 85.64%, while the 7-Ramnagar Assembly Constituency witnessed the lowest at 68.64%. Assuring the safe return of all polling parties, Dr. Kumar mentioned the retrieval of EVMs from seven locations amidst continuous police patrolling to maintain order.
However, he acknowledged receiving complaints primarily related to the mock poll stage, prompting the dispatch of additional forces to seven locations. While no instances of injuries or property damages were reported, allegations of voter intimidation and threats against polling agents surfaced. Dr. Kumar revealed that following thorough investigations, most complaints were deemed unsubstantiated, with swift actions taken, including arrests and preventive detentions in Mohanpur. He noted a decline in complaint rates after 9 AM, indicating a smooth and peaceful electoral process.
+ There are no comments
Add yours